Let me start by talking about zero waste where individuals are able to create nearly no trash, with an exception of what can be stored in a small mason jar. But there have been proponents of the N.O.W. or near zero waste movement that like me sees minimizing the amount of trash we produce rather than completely eliminating the production of trash as a far more realistic goal than completely zero waste. But of course if you are able to somehow eliminate producing waste do it since you will help keep our planet much greener than if you lived a regular life.

Why we cannot COMPLETELY eliminate plastic?

1. PLASTIC IS CONVENIENTPlastic is readily accessible, from buying groceries to dining out with friends. Sometimes we forget to bring our reusable bags or stainless steel straws. But the best thing we can do is to make sure that 80% of our time we are reducing the use of plastic, rather than completely forgo it all together. Just try to reach 100% if possible, but don't be discouraged if you end up finding you've used a plastic at the end of the day. If at all possible, aim towards recyclable plastic and avoid styrofoam or store receipts. You can always wash your little plastic produce bags and put them into one of those grocery bag bins at the grocery store. You might find that they also take other stretch film plastics as well, see the photo below of some items that can be accepted. This is from the local Sprouts. Just make sure they're super clean or else you risk contaminating the bunch !
   
   
2. PLASTIC IS PART OF MODERN LIVING
   Do you own a cellphone or laptop, or even drive a car? You will not be parting with plastic if you do. Many of modern-day technology uses plastic, and it would be hard pressed to try to stop using any of these technologies in our modern society, unless you want to go back to living like the paleo folks making do with the simplicity of nature. But, this doesn't mean you have to always opt for plastic filled things. You can do your part by making other parts of your world plastic-free. For example, using glass or ceramic utensils, dishes or cookware instead of opting for ones made from plastic. Using reusable versus disposable, and making sure to own less. The less you have the more likely you will be consuming less plastic.
   
   
3. PLASTIC IS SOCIETY'S BAD HABIT
   Although plastic is part of most everything we use and purchase, it is really a form of a bad habit that society has fallen into. Giving a plastic straw at a restaurant, using plastic water bottles at a 5k, or wrapping everything in styrofoam and plastic to sell to customers. You can take a stand against the overconsumption of plastic by making sure to limit your own consumption of plastic, and spread the word to  your friends to eliminate plastic too.